Sun, July 20, 2025
Sat, July 19, 2025
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Associated Press
Sports Betting Line
Fri, July 18, 2025

Colts Starting QB Competition Already Decided, per NFL Analyst

  Copy link into your clipboard //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. competition-already-decided-per-nfl-analyst.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Sports and Competition on by Athlon Sports
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
  The Indianapolis Colts were one of the biggest headlines of this NFL offseason with their impending quarterback competition. Incumbent, Anthony Richardson, has shown rare glimpses of potential greatness, but his inconsistency has far outweighed the flashes to this point in his career. This rollercoaster ride, along with a problematic injury history, is what led the Colts to sign veteran quarterback Daniel Jones for .

- Click to Lock Slider

Colts' Starting QB Battle Heats Up Early: Richardson vs. The Field in Indianapolis


In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, few positions draw as much scrutiny and speculation as quarterback, and the Indianapolis Colts are no exception. As the team ramps up preparations for the upcoming season, the starting quarterback competition has already ignited, capturing the attention of fans, analysts, and insiders alike. What was anticipated to be a straightforward anointing of second-year sensation Anthony Richardson as the unquestioned starter has evolved into a multifaceted battle, influenced by injuries, veteran signings, and the high-stakes nature of a franchise desperate to return to playoff contention. This development underscores the Colts' ongoing quest for stability under center, a position that has seen more turnover than consistency in recent years.

At the heart of this competition is Anthony Richardson, the athletic phenom drafted fourth overall in 2023 out of Florida. Richardson's rookie campaign was a tantalizing mix of promise and frustration. He flashed elite arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability in just four starts, completing 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 136 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. However, a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans derailed his progress, forcing the Colts to pivot to veteran Gardner Minshew, who admirably steered the team to a 9-8 record and kept them in the playoff hunt until the final week. Richardson's recovery has been a focal point of the offseason, with reports indicating he's fully cleared and participating in OTAs (Organized Team Activities) with no restrictions. Yet, questions linger about his durability, decision-making under pressure, and ability to stay healthy in a league that demands resilience from its signal-callers.

Enter the challengers, a group headlined by the recent addition of Joe Flacco, the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion who signed a one-year deal with the Colts in March. Flacco's arrival adds a layer of intrigue and experience to the quarterback room. Fresh off a resurgent stint with the Cleveland Browns last season, where he went 4-1 as a starter, throwing for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, Flacco brings a wealth of knowledge and poise. His role is ostensibly as a mentor and backup, but head coach Shane Steichen has not shied away from emphasizing that the starting job is earned, not given. "We're going to let the best player play," Steichen said during a recent press conference. "Anthony has all the tools, but competition breeds excellence. Joe has been there, done that, and he's pushing everyone." This sentiment echoes throughout the organization, suggesting that while Richardson is the presumptive starter, Flacco's pedigree could force a genuine evaluation if Richardson stumbles early in camp.

But the competition doesn't stop at Flacco. The Colts also retain Sam Ehlinger, a 2021 sixth-round pick who has seen limited action but impressed in spot duty, and undrafted free agent Kedon Slovis, a former standout at USC and Pittsburgh who brings a gunslinger mentality to the mix. Ehlinger, in particular, has been praised for his work ethic and understanding of the offense, having started three games in 2022 with mixed results. The depth chart is further complicated by the team's decision to not pursue high-profile free agents or trade for established starters, opting instead for a blend of youth and veteran savvy. This approach aligns with general manager Chris Ballard's philosophy of building through the draft and fostering internal competition, a strategy that has yielded mixed results but emphasizes long-term development over quick fixes.

The roots of this quarterback conundrum trace back to the post-Andrew Luck era, a tumultuous period marked by a carousel of starters including Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and now the Richardson-Minshew-Flacco trifecta. Since Luck's abrupt retirement in 2019, the Colts have cycled through seven different starting quarterbacks, a statistic that highlights the instability plaguing the franchise. This revolving door has contributed to inconsistent performances, with the team making the playoffs only once in that span (2020 under Rivers). Fans and pundits alike are weary of the uncertainty, and the current competition is seen as a pivotal moment to establish a foundation. "The Colts need a quarterback who can lead them for the next decade," noted one NFL analyst. "Richardson has the upside, but if he can't stay on the field, they might have to look elsewhere."

Training camp, set to begin in late July, will be the true proving ground. Position battles like this often intensify during padded practices, where physicality and decision-making are put to the test. Richardson's athleticism gives him an edge in Steichen's offense, which draws from the successful schemes he coordinated in Philadelphia with Jalen Hurts. The system emphasizes run-pass options (RPOs), deep throws, and quarterback mobility—areas where Richardson excels. However, Flacco's pocket presence and ability to read defenses could shine in more traditional drop-back scenarios, especially if the offensive line, bolstered by returning starters like Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly, provides ample protection.

Beyond the on-field dynamics, off-field factors are at play. Richardson has spent the offseason refining his mechanics with renowned quarterback coach Tom House, focusing on footwork and release to reduce injury risk. He's also bulked up, adding muscle to his 6-foot-4, 244-pound frame, aiming to withstand the rigors of an NFL season. Flacco, meanwhile, has embraced his role as a sage advisor, drawing parallels to his time mentoring younger quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. "I've been in every situation you can imagine," Flacco shared in an interview. "My job is to help Anthony reach his potential, but if called upon, I'm ready to step in and win games."

The implications of this competition extend far beyond the quarterback room. A stable starter could elevate the entire offense, which features promising weapons like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who signed a three-year extension, and running back Jonathan Taylor, fresh off a resurgent 2023. Defensively, the Colts boast a young, talented unit led by edge rusher Kwity Paye and cornerback JuJu Brents, but they've struggled with consistency. A reliable quarterback could mask some defensive shortcomings and propel the team into AFC South contention, where they face stiff competition from the Houston Texans (led by C.J. Stroud), Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence), and Tennessee Titans (Will Levis).

Fan reactions have been a mix of excitement and apprehension. Social media buzzes with debates over Richardson's ceiling versus Flacco's reliability, with some supporters clamoring for a quick hook if Richardson shows rust. Local Indianapolis media outlets have dedicated segments to the battle, analyzing every OTA throw and coach's comment. "This isn't just about who starts Week 1," one fan posted on a Colts forum. "It's about the future of the franchise."

As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on Westfield, Indiana, where the Colts hold their training camp at Grand Park. Preseason games against teams like the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals will offer the first glimpses of how this competition unfolds in live action. Will Richardson solidify his status as the franchise cornerstone, or will Flacco's experience force a reevaluation? The answers could define the Colts' season and shape their trajectory for years to come.

In a league where quarterback play often determines success, the Colts' early competition serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed. It's a high-wire act of potential versus proven, youth versus wisdom, and the outcome could either launch a new era or prolong the search for stability. As Steichen aptly put it, "The best man will win the job, and that's how we'll move forward." For now, the battle rages on, promising drama, development, and perhaps a surprise or two before the regular season kicks off. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Athlon Sports Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/colts-starting-qb-competition-already-133745561.html ]